Thirdy to stay in Japan longer after signing multiyear NeoPhoenix deal

FILE — Thirdy Ravena for NeoPhoenix in Japanese B.League. SAN EN PHOTO

Thirdy Ravena is not coming home anytime soon.

The three-time UAAP Finals MVP out of the rock-solid Ateneo program has signed a multiyear extension with the Japanese club as an import of San-En NeoPhoenix in the B.League.

“We got unfinished business,” Ravena wrote on his Instagram page in announcing the signing, though details of his new contract were not revealed.

“Last season was a really difficult time. I had to miss a lot of matches and couldn’t help the team as much as I wanted,” he said in a statement posted on the club’s official website.

“[N]evertheless, the club and boosters loved me. So it wasn’t hard to make this decision,” he went on. “I’m excited just to think about the next few years (with) this club.”

The 24-year-old Thirdy, whose elder brother Kiefer is a PBA star with NLEX, had to deal with coronavirus and a couple of injuries in his first year as a pro. He was only able to suit up in 18 games for the NeoPhoenix and finished with averages of 9.1 points, 3.6 boards, 1.6 assists.

Ravena started in a total of 14 games and San-En NeoPhoenix finished with a 12-47 record.

Though Ravena’s numbers paled in comparison to his UAAP production, NeoPheonix brass, however, is confident that the high-leaping swingman would grow into the star he is expected to be.

“His aggressive play is something no one else can imitate. I am confident that his aggressive play will tear the (opposition) team apart and continue to accumulate points, leading the team to victory,” said general manager Hideki Higashi.

“There are only great expectations for his further growth,” added San-En president Kenjiro Hongo. INQ